6 Top Lake District Activities & Things to Try in 2018

02 January 2018

As we reach the new year, it is a great time to think about new experiences and things to try for 2018. Should you find yourself in Lake District, there has never been a better selection of things to experience these days. So what would be on our list of essential things to do and see in the region? Here are some recommendations to make your next trip truly memorable.

Conquer a Fell

Even if you are not the ten-mile-hike type, it would be a shame to visit the Lake District and not make your way to the top of one of the famous fells or small mountains that dominate the Cumbrian Landscape. While some of these locations require a long, challenging walk, there are plenty of smaller fells and easier routes that needn’t take a small eternity. Loughrigg Fell, for example, can be seen from Grasmere (well, at least from our Loft Suite of the same name!) and offers cracking views over Lake Windermere for around an hour’s walk.

Try stand up paddleboarding on Lake Windermere

Have you ever tried stand up paddleboarding (SUP)? Although you might think of the coast, it is also a wonderfully relaxing way to exercise and take in the gorgeous surroundings of our famous lakes. You won’t find it as hectic as canoeing or kayaking; and nor will you need any wind or wave action. In fact, it’s a perfect activity in gentle conditions. Windermere Kayak and Canoe are placed right on the water and offer beginner SUP sessions in the Lake District at just £20 for a two hour bash, including a quick briefing from local instructors. See their site here: https://www.windermerecanoekayak.com/pages/sup-hire-lake-district

Take on a digital treasure hunt

Have you ever tried geocaching? A digital game of “find the hidden deposit” it works with a free app and turns any walk into an enjoyable little challenge. It’s especially popular with millennials and the digital generation, which will appeal even to screen addicts! However, all ages will enjoy solving these challenges. The Lake District has some amazing places to go geocaching too; including a special series of puzzles at Wray Castle on the shores of Windermere, as recommended by The National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle/features/take-the-geocaching-challenge

Venture further or learn survival skills from the experts

Feeling adventurous this year? If you're looking to embark on longer walks and hikes in the Lake District, a day out with a guide could be just the thing to take your outdoor escapades the next level. Virtually every week of the year you will find a guided walk or one -day course listed on the Lake District National Park site (http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/events). January to March are especially good for anyone who loves winter walks, with a series of one day Winter Skills Courses. Tailored to small groups, these will teach you crucial skills around snowcraft and staying safe in the UK’s mountain regions. In fact a lot of visitors also use the Fells as training for bigger missions such as the Swiss Alps or Himalayas. For current courses, take a look at http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/events

For a taste of the very finest local produce and specially paired wines in the company of the experts, you simply must stop here at Rothay Garden too! Besides our delicious award-winning dining experience at The Garden, we also love to run gourmet events and special foodie breaks throughout the year.

Go fly fishing on the Cumbrian Tarns

The very words "Lake District" are enough to excite many anglers. However, the bigger lakes can be a mighty test of skill and patience unless you know them well or have local guidance. Hence the far better option for some easier sport is often to pack light and climb into the hills to fish one of the Cumbrian tarns. Much smaller and simpler to catch fish from, you can expect trout in most of these, along with some coarse fish. Catch and release fly fishing is the most caring way to tackle these precious waters- as our popular guest blog with fishing artist Scott Winstanley proves: https://www.rothaygarden.com/blog/general/lake-district-tarn-fishing

Offering a complete escape from the everyday, Rothay Garden features award-winning dining, excellent spa facilities and the very best in Lake District hospitality. Enjoying an idyllic setting in Grasmere, it is perfect for enjoying local walks, shops, attractions and all that the area can offer. Keep an eye on our special offers and packages section and Facebook page for seasonal deals and events.